Strangerfamiliar’s ‘La Pena’ Is a Haunting Ode to Trauma
The first full-length album from Strangerfamiliar (aka Ilichna Morasky) sees the musician incorporating synths and exotic percussion on a unique set of songs.
chillwave
The Brilliance of Brothertiger’s Secret Instrumental Masterpieces
After a year of livestreaming and a personal setback, there’s no better time to appreciate the quietly underrated instrumental trilogy Brothertiger created amidst the pandemic.
Chet Faker Chills Out at ‘Hotel Surrender’
After a five-year hiatus, Aussie indie-popper Nick Murphy reactivates the alias of Chet Faker that made him famous. The results on Hotel Surrender are chill.
Nobody Loves You Like Chillwave’s Small Black
Chillwave pioneers Small Black return after an extended hiatus for Cheap Dreams‘ melancholic pop that you can still dance (or run) to and they tell us about it.
PM Picks Playlist 3: WEIRDO, Psychobuildings, Lili Pistorius
PopMatters Picks Playlist features the electropop of WEIRDO, Brooklyn chillwavers Psychobuildings, the clever alt-pop of Lili Pistorius, visceral post-punk from Sapphire Blues, Team Solo's ska-pop confection, and dubby beats from Ink Project.
Brothertiger Discusses Finding Inspiration in the Strangest Places
A moody new record reflecting our times, an instrumental fundraiser for charity, and cycling escapes to Rockaway Beach. Brothertiger is back with his first new studio full-length in years, and he can't wait for us to share in his emotional journey.
Chillwave’s Raligator Is “Popping Dreams With Broken Beliefs”
Chillwave producer Raligator's latest single is the ultra dreamy and trippy "Popping Dreams With Broken Beliefs", and it sports a technicolor video that's vital to the full experience of the song.
Chillwave’s Psychobuildings Get Psychological With “Mlia” (premiere)
Inspired by the writings of Vaslav Nijinsky, Psychobuildings' "Mlia" takes us into a dream state that's both calming and disquieting.
Washed Out’s ‘Purple Noon’ Supplies Reassurance and Comfort
Washed Out's Purple Noon makes an argument against cynicism simply by existing and sounding as good as it does.
Italian Producer Populous Collaborates with Women Around the Globe on ‘W’
Populous produces coolly electronic tracks that range from dreamy to pure dancefloor, pulling sounds from Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and Mangia's home country of Italy.
Doctor Fluorescent’s Debut Is a Relaxing Retro Synth Ride
Doctor Fluorescent's debut album is a chill piece of songcraft steeped in vintage synths and other retro electronic sounds.
Anything But Easy: An Interview with Tycho
Scott Hansen's Grammy-nominated instrumental outfit has thrived in the streaming era, soundtracking lives with quiet anthems while selling out arenas. With Tycho's new album, he does the unthinkable and adds vocals to the mix.